LOOKING AHEAD

This quarter, we consider “The Climax of History.” By covering key passages from the New Testament letters and selections from Revelation, we survey the biblical view of the end times. Our lessons walk through difficult texts and help readers dispel misconceptions about history’s conclusion.

Our first unit reads through Jude, the Bible’s penultimate book. Lesson 1 (Jude 1:1-13) focuses on Jude’s warning against false teachers, a message still pertinent today. In the second half of the letter (1:17-25). Jude shifts his focus to the faithful among his audience, exhorting them to build up their faith. We consider these verses in lesson 2.

Our second unit begins with II Peter 3:3-15a. Peter anticipates Jesus’ return and addresses those who deny the Second Coming. Peter assures his audience the Lord is not slow; rather, He is patient. One day, Christ will come and exercise judgment.

Lessons 4-6 expound upon portions of Revelation 4, 5, and 7, respectively. Each of these visions captures the worship of God and Christ. Lesson 4 describes the ceaseless praise before the throne of God. Lesson 5 records the praises of the twenty-four elders and angels as Christ comes to open the sealed scroll. And lesson 6 documents the resounding worship of the innumerable multitude.

Following lesson 7 considers the messages of the three angels, with particular focus on the second one’s proclamation concerning Babylon. God’s wrath will be poured out upon those who stray from Him and worship the evil figures.

In lesson 8 we pause our study of Revelation to reflect on Easter. Luke 24:32-49 describes the Risen Lord’s interactions and lessons. Christ explains that He is the fulfillment of the Scriptures.

We return to Revelation with our third unit: “The Final Victory.” Lessons 9-13 cover the final chapters of Revelation. Lesson 9 considers the Lamb’s wedding feast, capturing the final consummation of Christ and His church. In the remaining four lessons, we turn our attention to different aspects of the new heaven and new earth. These vivid images provide hope for Christians suffering in the world today. The last of these lessons concludes the quarter by exploring the final verses of the Bible.

Andrew Rudolf